PIOLI: "A DIFFICULT GAME TO READ"

Three victories at San Siro have opened the month of February, which will now continue for the Rossoneri with a trip to Salerno. AC Milan return to the Arechi after almost 24 years, for matchday 26 of the championship. Coach Pioli held a press conference from Milanello to discuss the fixture against the Granata. 

THE "NEW" SALERNITANA
"There are more unknowns than usual. This week, we’ve focused more on ourselves because the change in coach stops us from knowing what to expect from them, even if we know the players. Before every match, I’m always worried. It’ll be a game where we’ll need to be both attentive and focused. Our approach and the quality of our decisions will both be very important."

AC MILAN AFTER THE DERBY
"Every game needs to be interpreted in a particular way. If we show consistency and remain focused, we have the cards at our disposal to win. This is the mindset we need to have, with the aim of being confident, determined and implementing our playing principles out on the pitch."

DECISIONS
"When I make my decision, the first thing I look at is the physical condition of the players. Then, I consider the characteristics that are most apt for the game. I’ll try to send out a compact team that will display energy and quality. Every player will be given playing time in our upcoming matches. They’re feeling fine, and that’s the most important thing."

THE PRESSURE OF BEING FIRST
"Given both Inter and Atalanta have a game in hand, the table isn’t entirely accurate. We’re only focused on being consistent with our performances. Having this pressure is a privilege; it means that we’ve raised our level and the team are in a better position to withstand it. Looking at my players, I see positivity and confidence. We know that the season is long and we must always give our all; this is our only thought. We’ll try to win all our matches in an attempt to improve on our points tally from last season."

GETTING IBRA AND REBIĆ BACK FULLY FIT
"Zlatan is certainly doing better. Soon, he’ll start to do some running work and, from that point, we’ll assess his condition. It’s too early to say when he’ll be back with the group. Ante’s runout against Samp helped him in terms of finding tempo and composure. He did well when he came on, but a decisive piece of play was missing. He’ll make a contribution."

THE KESSIE SITUATION AND MAIGNAN’S SEASON SO FAR
"Frank has been calm and has remained focused on his work, just like he’s always been. This applies to the whole team too. This is an eager and tight-knit group, and we know that we need to give everything. There’s a sense of calm. I’m not surprised by how well Mike has done because he showed himself to be inquisitive and keen to work right from the outset. He has a great personality and, in such a young group, his presence is important."

MESSIAS’ FORM AND GETTING LAZETIĆ SETTLED IN
"Junior is doing fine. He’s becoming increasingly integrated and is working well in both phases. I think he can be even more decisive. Marko is not yet up to speed physically; he still needs a week to ten days to reach the same levels as his teammates and avoid injuries. We still have to discover him in full, but he has some great characteristics."

TEAM SPIRIT
"For us, tomorrow’s game is a very important match and not a second-rate one. For a coach, it’s vital that the players show willingness. During training, they display intensity and the desire to showcase themselves. We need to keep pushing in this respect."

AC MILAN AND THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
"The strongest 16 sides are in the last 16, and we’re disappointed that we didn’t make it through. However, we’re now much stronger compared to when our Champions League campaign kicked off, and I would have liked to play our first games in the competition at this moment in time. This is why it’s important to qualify for it again."

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